Holiday Reviews
We invite every traveller who books a holiday via us to send in a review. Because we don't run the holidays they're completely independent and unedited... remember to read between the lines though, as two people on the same trip can have different views!
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Family activity holiday in France, independent reviews
 Reviewed 4 Sep 2007 by Katy Munro |  |
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
The canyoning was generally agreed to be the most thrilling and exciting day but the whole week was brilliant. The guides were excellent and great at enabling the days to be enjoyed by family members of all ages, all levels of ability and bravery!!
2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
Be prepared to have a go - the guides are very careful to match your level of ability to what you can attempt.
3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, and minimized impacts on the environment?
The local people were lovely and seemed very pleased to have us around. The staff in restaurants and cafes were all cheerful and welcoming. The Roya Valley is a lovely unspoilt and not too touristy place with lots of opportunities to speak French!
4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
Wonderful and so memorable.
| Reviewed 9 Aug 2009 by Linda Emery | |
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
It was all great, but the canyoning was particularly memorable. It felt pretty scary but the guides were excellent and got us all through safely.
2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
Go for it! We struggle to find holidays that suit our 3 boys aged from 7 to 16 and this fitted the bill perfectly. Be prepared for a few bruises and aches and pains if you aren't particularly fit (said by inactive Mum - the children were absolutely fine!) We were a little surprised to find we had to drive to the start of the activities each morning (about a 30 minute drive) and would like to have been warned of this - especially as the welcome meeting on the arrival day did not take place, so we spent an anxious first night wondering whether the organisation was going to live up to our expectations. Once we met the rest of our group the next day and got going on the activities, everything went very well and we wouldn't hesitate to book a similar holiday again.
3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, and minimized impacts on the environment?
As far as we were aware.
4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
Excellent.
| Reviewed 5 Sep 2006 by Joanne Campbell | |
We had a fantastic holiday and met some wonderful people. I felt quite strongly that the local community benefited significantly from the way the package was organised - from meals being produced from small local growers and producers to supporting the local activity centre within the village.
The family as a whole enjoyed the various activities most and the local guides were absolutely fabulous. We very much enjoyed the evening meals, prepared by our down to earth and talented hostess and shared with two other families who were prepared to dig in and make the holiday such good fun.
I was very impressed with the re-cycling facilities in every small village we came across and the obvious care local people take to use them.
The farm we stayed at was very rustic and, to be honest, was misrepresented in the brochure. I would recommend that anyone spend a week in Breil and also that they stayed at La Ferme de Granil - but - they need to be aware that whilst the food and the ambience are fabulous the hygiene and the accommodation is lower than they will be used to and certainly lower than they may expect given the price they have paid. Take some spare toilet role, something to clean down the toilet facility and a few spare towels. Be aware that hot water may not be available - we spent 5 days without and 12 of us shared one shower in another families accommodation. Expect lots of domestic animals - and all their bodily processes to be part of your holiday - relax and enjoy.
Now that I know what to expect I would certainly book again - maybe via the local people so more of the profit goes directly to them.
Regarding the hygiene at the accommodation we have to confess that it was not as good as it should have been and even sent one of our Directors down to sort out the problems. It’s unfortunate that we had to do so because we have used the same accommodation for 5 years without a hitch. However, it seems that this year, without telling us, the owner has over-stretched herself and let her dogs run a bit too freely.
We had hoped that after our Director’s visit that the problem would be resolved but apparently not. Sadly, we are now looking for alternative accommodation in this beautiful part of France because we simply can’t accept inadequate hygiene.
The same issue applies regarding the toilet roll and cleaning. In the past, this has all been provided without question, this year it did not. Regarding the hot water, this was a one off problem with the plumbing and there were workman out trying to fix it as soon as it occurred. It is not an everyday occurrence.
Regarding the final statement about booking direct, I feel a bit aggrieved to be honest. We actually pay the farm owners more than their published rate to secure the entire building over the summer and we pay the activity providers there published prices. One of our Responsible Travel maxims is that we pay a fair price to our local suppliers so booking direct might be cheaper for the client but would not generate further income for the suppliers. In this case it would generate less!!
I suppose the other thing to keeping mind is that we have researched the activity providers, we have confirmed their qualifications and tested them out ourselves. Could you be so sure if you just turned up on their doorstep?
In addition, we are a small company based in rural Northumberland and providing employment where there are not a massive amount of opportunities. Are we not entitled to make a living as well?
The family as a whole enjoyed the various activities most and the local guides were absolutely fabulous. We very much enjoyed the evening meals, prepared by our down to earth and talented hostess and shared with two other families who were prepared to dig in and make the holiday such good fun.
I was very impressed with the re-cycling facilities in every small village we came across and the obvious care local people take to use them.
The farm we stayed at was very rustic and, to be honest, was misrepresented in the brochure. I would recommend that anyone spend a week in Breil and also that they stayed at La Ferme de Granil - but - they need to be aware that whilst the food and the ambience are fabulous the hygiene and the accommodation is lower than they will be used to and certainly lower than they may expect given the price they have paid. Take some spare toilet role, something to clean down the toilet facility and a few spare towels. Be aware that hot water may not be available - we spent 5 days without and 12 of us shared one shower in another families accommodation. Expect lots of domestic animals - and all their bodily processes to be part of your holiday - relax and enjoy.
Now that I know what to expect I would certainly book again - maybe via the local people so more of the profit goes directly to them.
Read the operator's response here:
Firstly, we are naturally delighted to hear that our clients had a good holiday.Regarding the hygiene at the accommodation we have to confess that it was not as good as it should have been and even sent one of our Directors down to sort out the problems. It’s unfortunate that we had to do so because we have used the same accommodation for 5 years without a hitch. However, it seems that this year, without telling us, the owner has over-stretched herself and let her dogs run a bit too freely.
We had hoped that after our Director’s visit that the problem would be resolved but apparently not. Sadly, we are now looking for alternative accommodation in this beautiful part of France because we simply can’t accept inadequate hygiene.
The same issue applies regarding the toilet roll and cleaning. In the past, this has all been provided without question, this year it did not. Regarding the hot water, this was a one off problem with the plumbing and there were workman out trying to fix it as soon as it occurred. It is not an everyday occurrence.
Regarding the final statement about booking direct, I feel a bit aggrieved to be honest. We actually pay the farm owners more than their published rate to secure the entire building over the summer and we pay the activity providers there published prices. One of our Responsible Travel maxims is that we pay a fair price to our local suppliers so booking direct might be cheaper for the client but would not generate further income for the suppliers. In this case it would generate less!!
I suppose the other thing to keeping mind is that we have researched the activity providers, we have confirmed their qualifications and tested them out ourselves. Could you be so sure if you just turned up on their doorstep?
In addition, we are a small company based in rural Northumberland and providing employment where there are not a massive amount of opportunities. Are we not entitled to make a living as well?
| Reviewed 28 Aug 2006 by Heather Morris | |
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
Holiday was spent in a catered farmhouse in Breil sur Roya with activities planned for 5 days. Activities included kayaking on a lake and on white water, tubing and canoeing also mountain biking and canyoning.
Definitely rate very highly for the activities - can't be faulted. Exciting, adrenaline charged, safe (for 8+ years old), challenging, tailored to group. The most memorable part was canyoning - a great high!
2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
Tips for future holiday makers - get fit beforehand to make the most of the holiday. Do everything offered. We also trusted the judgement of the people in the UK - proved to be a good move, my 8 year old really got stuck in despite my concerns he would be a bit cautious.
3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, and minimized impacts on the environment?
I believe this did benefit local people as all activities were provided by a local firm and accommodation was provided by a French family.
We had the choice as to how to travel there ie plane, rail, car etc - all activities took place within 10 miles of the town. I would say this had a minimal impact on the environment
4. Any other comments?
The company was excellent in terms of admin, information giving, advice and accuracy. Accomodation very 'rustic' - OK but not the best.
I would definitely rate this holiday as **** and would go with this company again. Highly recommended.
| Reviewed 14 Aug 2005 by Henriette Harnisch | |
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
Activities, home-cooked amazing food (provided by host), weather/landscape.
2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
Nothing in particular; info from provider was very good
3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, and minimized impacts on the environment?
Definitely (restaurants, activities, company, host).
4. Any other comments?
12 year old said it was the best holiday, even compared to a tour of Australia!